Childminder Fees

**to be or..?** · 06-08-2012, 03:34 AM

Hi,
I have 3 children (aged 1.5, 2.5 and 7.5) and I'm really worried about paying a childminder while at Med school! Is the money you get for childminders really unreasonable? I can't imagine us having to lose any more money due to this!
I don't know whether it would be best to wait a year before applying as it would mean 1 less child in childcare but I'm already 29 and want to get started

Thanks for any help x

**scottydoc** · 06-08-2012, 11:22 AM

To be honest it depends on your household income, you can either claim the childcare grant through Student Finance, or through the Tax Credits system, I think both pay 70% of childcare costs if you are on a low income. There is a limit of what they will pay though, it used to be £225 per week, but that's probably changed CIS its a while since I used childcare.

And as for being 29? A mere youngster! I'm 40, single mum of 5 and i start medical school in September!

**to be or..?** · 08-08-2012, 11:46 PM

Thanks! Hmm hope it's more than that, I think my fees will be about £350 a week. Do you have any idea if it's easier to go through Student Finance or Tax Credits?
5 kids? Wow that must take some organisation

**scottydoc** · 09-08-2012, 12:26 PM

In my opinion Student Finance are a bunch of imcompetent idiots who take turns sharing the company brain cell. So I would personally go through tax credits, but its up to you. If I were you I would check out how much both organisations would give you, there are student finance calculators and tax credit calculators available online. As you know with tax credits, its paid monthly so it may be easier to manage finances, rather than getting a lump sum every three months.

As for taking lots of organisation? Nah, just the threat of the removal of internet access......works every time!

**to be or..?** · 13-08-2012, 01:56 AM

I had heard that about them! I'd actually forgotten about the Student Finance Calculator, thanks!
I've just been on and got a figure, hmm!
Couldn't actually find how much would be given on childcare though? Am I being stupid? It's very likely!
We're still using the naughty step here unfortunately

eeh to have internet bribery